The Intersection of Grief and Trauma: Attachment, Crisis and Integration

Self-Study
NYSED and ASWB/ACE Approved for 2 CE Contact Hours

Original live webinar event presented on April 10, 2025

This recorded presentation is viewable online from a computer via streaming video. Once your registration and payment are received, a link will be forwarded for access to the videos and instructions for taking a post-test and evaluation. All online continuing education programs require the completion of a post-test and evaluation for receipt of credits.

In this first workshop, The Intersection of Grief and Trauma: Attachment, Crisis and Integration, Dr. Abigail Nathanson, LCSW, DSW, APHSW-C, ACS will present and explore the deep connection between grief and trauma—both responses to sudden, life-altering changes that shape how we process emotions and seek safety. While grief and trauma share common attachment and nervous system dynamics, they are often mistaken for depression, anxiety, or even each other. Understanding their similarities and differences is key to providing thoughtful and effective clinical work. 

The presentation will start with an overview of grief theory and polyvagal trauma theory, focusing on how both develop through attachment and life experiences. Then, we’ll examine how grief and trauma show up in clients, offering a framework to help clinicians decide when and how to intervene. This presentation integrates theory, research, clinical wisdom, and real-world case examples.

During this workshop participants will:

• Discuss the core principles of grief and how it differs from depression
• Describe the intersection between grief and trauma
• Identify three therapeutic techniques effective for both grief and trauma

Abigail Nathanson, LCSW, DSW

Abigail Nathanson, LCSW, DSW teaches Grief, Loss and Bereavement at New York University, and is a board-certified palliative social worker and trained trauma therapist, with advanced training in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy and EMDR. Dr. Nathanson is the co-editor of the recently released textbook, The Practice of Clinical Social Work in Healthcare (Springer Press). She was the 2022 Educator of the Year from the Social Work Palliative and Hospice Network. Dr. Nathanson worked in hospitals and hospices for 15 years, and now runs a specialty group trauma therapy practice in New York, with a focus on care for those impacted by medical illness and loss.

General Admission: $60

Once you register, no cancellation or refund will be available. Registration and payment gives you immediate access to the self-study.

NYSED and ASWB/ACE approved for 2 Continuing Education Contact Hours.

55 jurisdictions accept ACE-approved provider CE contact hours. ACE is not an approved Continuing Education provider in the states of New York (though NYU Silver is NYSED CE approved in NYS) and West Virginia, unless the event is outside of West VA. ACE only approves individual courses in New Jersey, though NYU Silver is CSWE-accredited and therefore accepted for licensed NJ professionals. Here is a full list of statutes related to social work CE.

NYU Silver School of Social Work
Office of Global and Lifelong Learning
285 Mercer Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10003

Email: silver.continuingeducation@nyu.edu
Phone: 212.998.5973
Fax: 212.995.4497